Two Tales Titles Being Updated and Re-Released

Since the release of Tales of Phantasia in 1995, the Tales series has spanned over 12 titles. From the Super Famicom to all the current gen consoles, Tales has seen them all, the classic Japanese RPG continues to thrive by giving the player the freedom to make the gameplay as deep or as simple as they would like. You can micro-manage each little detail, or play straight through the story. And now two of the stories, Tales of Graces F and Tales of the Abyss, are receiving a touch-up and are being released on new systems.

Tales of Graces has really been overhauled. So much so it is being called Tales of Graces F. Moving from the Wii to the PS3 has allowed the developer to really upgrade the graphics and include some new content as well. Most of what we saw in the demo was content from the original game, however we got to see a new cut-scene, which shows that they are including some new story development. There will also be some new Blast Calibers and character outfits. Another awesome addition is an epilogue called Lineage & Legacies that will add around 10 hours of gameplay and fill in some of the stories from the main game. There will also be drop-in/drop-out co-op multiplayer.

Tales of the Abyss is also receiving a port, this time from the PS2 to the Nintendo 3DS. Tales featured the Flex Range Linear Motion Battle System that was used in Tales of Symphonia (play this one if you have a Gamecube!). This version is more of a port than a remake. They have added a 3D effect that doesn’t do anything but spruce up the visuals a little. However, if you missed it the first time around and you own a 3DS, you may want to give this game a try as it is a great JRPG.

Inversion
Namco Bandai is working on the upcoming third person shooter, Inversion, due out in February of 2012.  We got a hands on preview of the game last week.  What makes this game stand out from other shooters is the ability to manipulate gravity.  You can use a device called a gravlink to command and manipulate gravity to your advantage.  You can use it to provide cover, to kill your enemies, and you can eevn use it to retrieve items like ammo.  The trick is that the enemies have this device as well and they can use it to do the same things to you.

Another cool thing about this game is that there are these patches of gravitational forces that manipulate particular areas allowing you and your foes to walk on walls and ceilings affording you a better vantage point to defeat your enemies.  There are even portions of the game where you will engage in weightless gameplay in zero gravity.

The game focuses around two police officers, the main character, David, and his partner, Leo.  The game can be played in single player mode with an AI partner as well as in co-op.  Multiplayer modes are also available however the specific modes have yet to be announced.  The game will support up to 16 players online.

I played through the short demo and it controls like Gears of War and, in fact, it uses a similar cover system.  There are no health packs to pick up, you regenerate it over time.  The weapons are pretty standard for a shooter but it is the gravity manipulation that really sets this game apart from some of the games on the market right now and I can see a lot of potential in the multiplayer.

Inversion is due out on February 7, 2012 for the Xbox 360 and PS3.

Ridge Racer Unbounded

Ridge Racer has been a popular arcade racing game since its debut in arcades in 1993 and made it’s first home console appearace shortly thereafter.  Namco Bandai is currently working on Ridge Racer Unbounded a new experience for the Xbox 360 and PS3 and marks its first appearance on the PC.  This is also the first time that Ridge Racer has not been released as a launch title.  Ridge Racer Unbounded stays true to the series and features no licensed vehicles and keeps the cars clean and damage free during races regardless of how many times you crash into a wall or building.  However, Ridge Racer Unbounded is just that…now you can destroy building and other obstacles on the course.  Destroying buildings will create shortcuts within the race so you will want to keep an eye out for them.

The game plays like a normal racing game and gives you indicators when a building can be crashed into and destroyed.  I suspect that many players will crash into anything and everything because they can.

Another cool feature of the game is the City and Track creator, which will allow you to create your own custom cities and tracks ready for racing and destruction.

Ridge Racer Unbounded is slated for a March 2012 release and will be available on the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.

Dragon Ball Z Ultimate Tenkaichi

Dragon Ball Z Ultimate Tenkaichi is the newest installment of DBZ fighting games that follows the story of the anime.  The 3D fighter allows players to control characters from the Dragon Ball Z franchise and introduces Hero Mode which will allow you to create your very own custom DBZ character using new and existing attributes to customize your character’s hair, clothing, voice, and attack moves.

The game features a story mode and boss battles to fight agains AI or other players locally or online.  The game looks like it ripped right out of the anime and features chaotic fighting sequences.  Since this was my first time sitting down with the game (or any Dragon Ball Z title for that matter), there was a slight learning curve in terms of what to do and when but overall, the game is aimed towards a younger audience so it should be easy for most players to pick up and play.  I won the battle against one of the other previewers but I couldn’t honestly tell you how!

Dragon Ball Z Ultimate Tenkaichi should be another fun fighter for fans of the series.  The game drops on October 25th, 2011 for the Xbox 360 and PS3.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Ultimate Ninja Impact

Coming to the PSP on October 18th, 2011, is the latest Naruto game, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Ultimate Ninja Impact.  Built on the Dynasty Warriors engine, the game strays from its usual fighting game style to an action adventure fighter where you take on multiple waves of multiple enemies.

The control scheme is the same as other Naruto games so fans of the series will have no problems making the transtion to the new game style.

The game will be available via the PlayStation Network as a download as well as a UMD disc available at game retailers on October 18th, 2011.

But what about everything else? And is it worth it to purchase yet another handheld?

WHAT WE KNOW:

• The 3DS will feature 3D graphics without needing special glasses.

• Like the DS before it, it features 2 displays, however the upper screen is larger and the lower screen is smaller:

• Top screen: 3.53 inches/resolution 800×240 pixels/3D capable

• Bottom screen: 3.02 inches/resolution 320×240/Touchscreen.

FEATURES:

• Microphone for recording your voice or for game control.

• Motion Sensor and Gyroscope.

• Analog Control via the Circle Pad. Gives you a “joystick” feel.

• 3 Single Focus Lens Cameras: Two of the cameras face outward and allow to capture stereoscopic 3D images. The third camera, which does NOT capture images in 3D, faces the user and may be used in certain game software. Resolutions are 640×480 for each camera.

• Adjustable Stylus that allows you to make it shorter or longer.

• Mii characters. You can create your own Mii avatar, or create one by taking a 3D photo of yourself and let the hardware make one for you.

• Wireless Communication within 98.4 feet depending on environmental situations. The connection speed is 2.4 GHz and supports IEEE802.11 b/g with the WPA™/WPA2™ security feature.

• Sleep Mode. A low energy mode that allows it to send and receive data wirelessly from other 3DS units.

• SpotPass™ allows the DS to find areas where you can wirelessly connect to the internet via wireless hotspots or wireless LAN access points.

• Street Pass™ that allows your 3DS to connect with other 3DS units in the vicinity when the units are in Sleep Mode. You control what information is shared while they are connected, such as Mii characters and high scores.

• eShop where you can purchase software or view trailers, reviews and maybe more. This will not be available when the system launches.

• Charging Cradle. Instead of plugging in the 3DS, you will place it on a cradle to charge up the batter. You can leave the 3DS in sleep mode while charging.

• A 2 GB SD Memory Card is included for storing photos, recordings, games and music. You can purchase your own SD or SDHC card to increase your storage.

• Support for MP3 and AAC file formats which are two of the most common music file formats available today. This should allow you to play most of your iTunes library.

• Backwards compatibility with most DS and DSi games. Games that include special accessories or games that were intended for the Game Boy™ Advance and prior will not work with the 3DS.

• Parental Controls allow you to restrict game content and connectivity.

• 3D Depth Slider that allows you to adjust and turn off the 3D effects.

• The battery is a lithium ion battery with a life of approximately 3-8 hours depending on what functions are being used. It takes about 3.5 hours to completely charge the batter.

• The stereo speakers are placed to the left and right of the top screen. You can also plug in standard ear buds into the audio jack and enjoy stereo output.

• Built-in software includes the Home Menu, Nintendo 3DS Camera, Nintendo 3DS Sound, Mii Maker, StreePass, Mii Plaza, AR Games, Activity Log, Face Raiders, and maybe more.

• Launch colors: Aqua Blue and Cosmo Black

WHAT’S DIFFERENT?
Here is what’s different from the DSi. Many of these features are in the list above:

• 3D effects, including the ability play 3D games and take 3D pictures. The DS had two cameras, one facing in and one facing out, so the only new thing is the 3D effect via the third outer camera.

• Most of the built-in software such as AR Games, Face Raiders, Mii Maker, Street Pass™ Mii Plaza™, and others that feature 3D are all new.

• The Nintendo 3DS Sound application is also new, although we are not sure if it features or uses 3D.

• The System Transfer feature.

• $250.00 launch price is quite a bit of a difference from previous Nintendo handheld launch prices: at least $100 more!

• The top screen has increased in size, while the lower screen has shrunk a little bit. This shouldn’t effect game play whatsoever.

• Adjustable stylus.

• The Circle Pad analog stick.

• Home Button that allows you to access the Home Screen, even from a game’s pause menu.

• What happened to the ability to adjust the backlit screen brightness?

• It’s more powerful than the DSi in terms of graphic and processing power.

DSi

• CPU: The DSi has two ARM architecture CPUs ARM9 and ARM7. The ARM9 is clocked at 133 MHz.

• RAM: 16 MB

• Storage: 256 MB of internal flash memory with a SD card (up to 2 GB) and SDHC card (up to 32 GB) expansion slot.

• Wireless: 802.11b/g internal wireless connectivity

• There is a great breakdown located on the 3DS Wiki page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3DS

WHAT WE DON’T KNOW

• How much games will be.

• Launch titles, although we know many titles that will release within a launch window. Who cares? You still have all the DS games that are out, and there are some awesome titles!

• When the Internet Browser and eShop be available.

• What other colors be available and when.

OK, now that you know everything there is to know about the new system, here are some of the things that people who have seen it are saying:

The 3D effect really works! you can adjust the amount of 3D to suit your tastes using the 3D slider on the unit. However, under certain circumstances, such as as you tilt the unit or pull the unit away, you can lose the 3D effect. This is interesting because the unit also has the gyroscope, so games probably won’t be able to use both at the same time to its full potential.

The fact that Nintendo is releasing a handheld system for $250.00 is not very characteristic of the company. They usually make many sacrifices in a system’s hardware to bring the price point down to a consumer friendly level. Could this be a risk? I doubt it. This is technology the masses have been waiting for. The biggest complaint about 3D is that you need glasses. Not anymore! The fact that it works so well is a “you have to see it” kind of thing that will sell units like mad. Already the DSi sales numbers have dropped considerably as people are holding out for the new system, so $250 shouldn’t scare anybody away.

Nintendo also has a sordid history regarding releasing new versions of their handheld hardware relatively soon after the launch of the first generation. You saw the DS Lite, with a much improved aesthetic design, released a mere 2 years after the DS. The DSi, which upgraded the system’s CPU and RAM, was released 2 years after that along with the DS XL. Also, many colors were shown at E3 so they are bound to release new colors once initial sales slow down. So should you wait? I wouldn’t, unless the color of the system is that important to you, and even then I’m sure companies will start releasing skins for the device if they haven’t already. In two years, the tech may be ready to upgrade, and so will you. Of course, if you wait, prices of the system will probably drop as will the price of some of the amazing launch-window titles. So if money is tight, maybe you should hold out.

What about the PSP2? There is no doubt the PSP2 will be an amazing handheld gaming system. It’s pretty much a guarantee that the graphics will blow the 3DS out of the water. Not only that, but there are some pretty cool technology that is going to be used in Sony’s handheld, including multi-touch and touch-pad on the back of the device. Very exciting stuff. Two points to consider though:

1) No 3D
2) Price. You think $250.00 is bad. Try $300 – $350!

With all systems, console and handheld alike, the games are king. Honestly, there are only a handful of amazing games for Sony’s fledgeling system, yet I’m guessing the new system will be able to play these games. Nintendo has a back catalog of countless games for the DS that are both critical and commercial successes for the DS, and they have announced that most DS games (those that don’t come with special peripherals), will be playable on the 3DS.

I feel that my money is best spent on the 3DS just based on the fact that I spend more time with my DS than the PSP. I never really got into the way the PSP feels in my hands. I also believe that the better value will be with Nintendo’s device. However, I’m the kind of guy that will own both soon enough anyway (especially if April has anything to say about it!).

Related Links

For those of you who don’t already know Ōkami, it is an original Capcom title that has since inspired top titles such as Twilight Princess and Epic Mickey. It was originally released as an exclusive PS2 game and features an incredibly gorgeous art style that made the whole game look like it was painted onto your TV with watercolor. You play as the white wolf Amaterasu, the Goddess of the Sun, as she embarks on an epic quest to rid the world of the demons that were released in ignorance by a skeptical warrior named Susano. Using her powers, Amaterasu learns the 13 Celestial Brush techniques that eventually restors the land to its former glory. The quest rivals that of its major inspiration, The Ocarina of Time, in both length and complexity.

The new game, Ōkamiden (which translates to Wolf Tale) features Chibiterasu, a youthful sun god. However, this is not a prequel, and in fact takes place about nine months after the events that concluded Ōkami. The game will feature a new cast of characters and items that will help Chibiterasu in her quest to restore order to the land. Along the way, Chibi will learn lessons on friendship, responsibility, and love between parents and children.

The Celestial Brush returns from the original game and as in the original, you can turn any screen into a canvas and paint symbols over objects to produce different effects. For example, drawing a circle over a dying tree will cause it to bloom with leaves and flowers. You also use the brush in combat, where you can paint slashes through enemies that translate to sword slashes in the real world, or paint a bomb on the screen to blow up several enemies at once. In Ōkami, your ink vials replenished over time, however Chibi is still too young to possess that strength, so he has to find vials to replenish his ink stores.

Also returning is scroll painting art style that made the original such a critical success. While the DS can’t quite capture the subtle details featured in the PS2 version, it compares well to its Wii counterpart, which ditched the cool paper-like texture that permeated the background. The screenshots do not do it justice; to really appreciate the quality of the graphics, you have to see it in action.

New to the series is the ability to partner-up with a few of the characters in the game. You can have them ride Chibi, or you can use your Celestial Brush to paint a path for them to take, a la Phantom Hourglass. Each of these characters possess special abilities that will help Chibi in her quest.

We got to play a couple of levels at the demo and I didn’t want to put it down. The gameplay and control is on par with the original, such as the loose jumping and chaotic combat action. Once you figure out an enemies weakness, you will be using the same techniques over and over again to defeat them. However, the boss battles are a lot of fun. One of the boss battles we saw had you using every technique in your arsenal and it still took about 5 minutes to defeat.

If you are a fan of the original Ōkami or of the Zelda franchise, into action adventure games, or just want to play something epic, keep an eye on this game. I think that kids will enjoy this title as well, although the challenge level may be a little bit high for some. Fortunately, you don’t have to play the first game to get into Ōkamiden because they recap the whole adventure at the beginning of the game.

There are some lovely pre-order bonuses available for Ōkamiden – if you pre-order the game through GameStop, you will receive a special Ōkamiden stylus.  If you pre-order the game through the Capcom Store, you will get a super-kawaii Chibiterasu character plush keychain.

Ōkamiden is set for release on March 15, 2011!  Visit the official Ōkamiden Facebook page for updates and official Capcom contests and info!

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I had an opportunity to play the game at this year’s E3 during my Square Enix booth tour.  I’m not sure where in the game I was but I was in Cinderella’s castle.  I was able to wander around as well as engage in combat.

The game plays as one would expect – an action game with some RPG elements.      There are definitely a lot of elements to the game that cannot be experienced or conveyed in a 10-15 minute playthrough but I can say that the graphics are beautiful, as expected, and the control handled well.

The game also features a fantastic voice cast featuring Mark Hamill, James Woods, and Leonard Nimoy just to name a few.  You will also be able to travel to never seen before Disney worlds like the Enchanted Domain (Sleeping Beauty) and the Castle of Dreams (Cinderella).

I am looking forward to the game and I think that Disney fans and Kingdom Hearts fans are eagerly awaiting its release as well.

KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep is due out on September 7th, 2010 exclusively for the PSP.

Both Norm and I had a chance to play around with the demo in the Square Enix booth.  One of the first things I noticed was the art style.  The style was more like a watercolor wash with muted colors and it had more of a storybook look to it than any of the previous games.

The battle system uses Action Points and turn-based combat has returned giving the game a more classic RPG feel.  There are over two dozen jobs to choose from that are introduced in the Crown Job System.  You can customize  your player’s abilities and magic skills no matter what crown you have equipped.  You can even play with up to four friends in the multiplayer mode to help friends advance or to conquer tougher dungeons.

Both of us enjoyed the self-aware humor featured in the demo.  It didn’t really matter how you played it as it was only a demo.  So while we did get to play the game we hope that more surprises await us in the full retail release.

Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light is due for release on October 5, 2010 exclusively for the Nintendo DS.

I love the character’s design – totally a sucker for the little gothy girl styles.  You can unlock outfits and mini games as well.  What I did get to play was not super thrilling however the game is aimed more towards kids of a younger age.  There are tons of cute characters and creepy but cute characters to meet in the game as well.

You can get your groove on when Gabrielle’s Ghostly Groove comes out in Q4 2010 for the Nintendo DS.

Another rhythm game aimed for a slightly older crowd is Cheer We Go.  This is a game similar to Gabriella’s Ghostly groove but aimed for an older crowd and is only available on the iPhone and the iPad.  You tap in time to the music and try to wow the judges with your cheer routines.

Cheer We Go will be available in Q3 2010 for the iPhone and iPad.

The game is currently undergoing localization so at E3 it was not yet determined whether the game would feature Japanese voice acting with English subtitles or English voice acting.  Hopefully we can have both, but there will be space limitations on the DS cartridge.

The game looks gorgeous – I am always taken aback by the power of the DS and some of the graphic output it is able to put out.

This game looks like it will be great for fans of the original series as well as a warm welcome to those new to the series.

Lufia: Curse of the Sinistrals is due in the Q3 of 2010 for the Nintendo DS.

At this year’s E3, Natsume had mostly DS games to showcase.  It wouldn’t be a Natsume booth without a Harvest Moon and I was pleased to see that a new one is due out next month.

Harvest Moon: Grand Bazaar is somewhat of a departure from the series while still staying in line with it.  It still features you on a farm, raising livestock and growing crops.  Normally, you would put what you reap into a Shipping Bin that would “magically” sell you items generating the income you needed to build your farm back to its former glory.  Instead of the shipping bin, in Harvest Moon: Grand Bazaar, you will take your harvests to the Grand Bazaar, a kind of Farmer’s Market, to sell your wares to help generate commerce to buildup you town.  You get to choose what to sell in your shop and you will even have a quota that you will need to make.  The game will be test in inventory management.  Along with raising your livestock and crops, you will need to sell your wares but you may have to shop instead as only certain items will become available at the Bazaar.  You will also be able to fish and cook and I’m sure there are other surprises that await us in the game.

There will be festivals where you can compete in horse races and even a snowboarding competition.  The game also features a multiplayer mode where you can invite friends into your farm.

As usual, you can choose to play as either a girl or a boy and you can still find a mate, get married, and have a family.  Sadly, you can’t get  drunk in the bar anymore as they took that out of the series a few games ago.

The most notable change is to the control.  You will now be able to jump which will make getting around your village a lot easier.  If you are familiar with the series, you will know that traveling around your town takes up a lot of time.  Now, you will be able to jump over certain barriers and jump down from areas allowing you to traverse your town more efficiently!

Harvest Moon: Grand Bazaar will be available for the Nintendo DS this July.

I also saw rows and rows of other featured titles that completely playable, such as Wii Party, Mario Sports Mix, New Carnival Games, GoldenEye 007, Sonic Colors and Just Dance 2, just to name a few. Epic Mickey was also on hand, which you can read about here.

Since my time was limited, I was asked what I wanted to see the most. I really wanted to check out the new Nintendo handheld, the 3DS.

3DS
Nintendo really knows how to make a splash. The DS trumped the PSP, even with inferior graphics and without all the bells and whistles. They know that the gaming experience is not once born purely of the latest technology, but through the love of the craft of making purely entertaining experiences.

However, ever since the shocking announcement of the motion controller for the Wii left many people scratching their heads thinking “What are they doing?”, Nintendo has proved that if you mix new and exciting technologies with the love they pour into every game, you can have something very special. Now that every major developer is on board with motion controls, Nintendo is moving forward…into 3D.

A short time ago, Nintendo made an announcement about their new handheld device that will be the successor to the DS. They said it will still feature two screens, one of which will be a touch screen, but will now add an analog stick. It will still have a camera, but the graphics capability will receive a big upgrade. Oh, and the top screen will feature 3D graphics without having to use glasses. What?! Is that even possible?

Well, at Nintendo’s booth at E3 I was taken up to a platform where rows and rows of these incredible devices were lined up, each with their own personal greeter. Each section covered a different demo of the 3DS hardware. Is this a watered-down pseudo-3D experience, or is it the real deal? It’s real, alright. And it’s awesome!

As I reached the top of the platform, it was suggested that I first check out the Nintendogs + Cats demo.

Nintendogs + Cats
In this limited demo but playable demo, I was able to choose from three breeds of dogs (no cats yet, sadly), a Yorkie, Beagle, or Golden Retriever. After arbitrarily picking a Yorkie, it put me in a room with my chosen dog who wandered aimlessly around as I marveled at the 3D I was watching without the use of glasses. I was instructed by the demonstrator that I could control the 3D level by moving a slider on the side of the screen. As I moved the slider up and down, it seamlessly shifted the 3D into 2D and back. Absolutely amazing. I couldn’t help but smile. I then realized that I could probably do other things, and sure enough I could pet the dog, dress up the dog, or play catch with a ball and frisbee. As I changed the dogs outfit, I finally noticed how much the graphics have been improved over the DS. Then, I played catch with a tennis ball and the physics were really good. I felt like I really lobbed the tennis ball and it bounced around realistically until the dog picked it up. Good boy!

Star Fox 64 3D
I was then ushered to the next station where I tried my hand at another playable demo: Star Fox. This was another marvel. It took a short time to get my bearings because the 3D was so amazing. You could fly under or around objects and you were tasked with shooting down other ships that were all around you, including behind you. I recalled playing Top Gun for the original Nintendo, and I remember the parts where you were being tailed, and it was impossible to tell where the enemy really was. Here, I could tell exactly how far behind me he was, and it was easier to time my brakes so he would fly right by, then I could boost to line up a shot and blow him away. I was just getting used to it when the demo ended, and I was left wanting more Star Fox.

Mario Kart
Mario Kart was my next destination, and unfortunately it was not a playable demo. However, the game trailer had tons of little touches that made the 3D really pop. The game promises to offer plenty of connectivity options you have come to expect, including ghost data exchange.

Kid Icarus
Featured in the Nintendo press conference, Kid Icarus is a classic Nintendo franchise that has yet to see a sequel despite all the begging fans have done. Finally, Nintendo has found the right platform for the sequel, which you will agree with once you see the direction they are heading with it. The original Kid Icarus featured brutally difficult platforming, but at the end when you gain your wings, it turns into a side-scrolling flight game. They seem to be taking that mold into a 3D environment and making the game very much like Space Harrier games, but way better. It was actually a little bit like Star Fox 64 3D.

Animal Crossing
This was another game that brought to my attention the improved graphics that this system will offer. Much cleaner and detailed and with similar gameplay as previous titles. Nintendo notes they will be taking advantage of the enhanced wireless functionality of the 3DS.

Steel Diver
I didn’t know what to expect from this game, but they promised that it would feel like I was looking into an aquarium…and it did! I’m sure I sound like a broken record at this point, but seeing the 3D without glasses truly felt like the future. If nothing else, it would make it easier to play games like Mario Galaxy because you can really get a feel for where you are in the environment. In Steel Diver, I was the pilot of a submarine that looked like it was in a mini aquarium.

DJ Hero 3D
This was the first 3rd party demo that I got to play. Activision Publishing, Inc. put together this fun demo which wasn’t helped or hindered by the 3D. It was neat as the virtual record spun with your commands on top, however this would have been just as good in 2D. At the same time, if you can do it…why the heck not? Besides, there may be other little touches that I missed while being engrossed in the gameplay and music.

Samurai Warriors 3D
The second third party game I tried was Tecmo Koei Games’ Samurai Warriors 3D. I was tasked with beating down 50 enemies in 2 minutes. I barely missed it as I fumbled with the various combos and mass damage I was causing. If I had another crack at it, I wouldn’t of had a problem. This was another game where I felt the 3D was cool, but not essential. Once again, though, I must emphasize that it didn’t cause any issues with the gameplay and the visuals were still pretty neat.

Paper Mario
This was just a little movie featuring some neat things that they can do with Paper Mario in 3D. The added dimension allows Mario to climb back into those bushes that are in the background and find hidden things. Also, it looks like it will feature the turned-based combat with timing elements from The Thousand Year Door, which I loved!

PilotWings Resort
Back to 1st party games. No surprise that this game will be stunning when it comes out. Flight games and 3D visuals go hand in hand. I don’t know how we have played these games for so many years without it. I’m kidding, of course, but I did find this one of the stronger demos on the floor, along with Star Fox 64 and…

Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater 3D
This little demo featured a camera that you could move around in different directions. The 3D in this was so amazing and thoughtful, it was like a little Pixar short film. It had humor, great visuals, and a couple of fun moments like when an enemy drops a pack of cigarettes and goes fishing around for them.

After I had time with these little demos, I was ushered over to a gentleman who asked me if I would like to try the 2D camera, to which I responded “Of course!” Once I snapped the photo, I could then adjust the 3D ration until it was just right and voila!: a 3D photo!

There were so many other little demos that I just didn’t have the time to check them all out. However, I can leave you with this: I promise you have never seen anything like it. You have to see it to believe it. It’s my guess that there are other features that will be announced as we get closer to launch in 2011.

Puzzle Quest 2 is a puzzle game that features some interesting RPG elements.  You can choose a male or female character, and one of four character classes – Sorcerer, Templar, Barbarian, or Assassin – each with different capabilities that force you to change up your strategy and provide a varied experience with each playthrough.  The game’s designers have tried to make it fun for hardcore gamers as well as casual players while making it a challenge for both long-time veterans of the series and new players alike. They have included four modes to choose from. You can delve deep into Story mode where you can develop your character as you advance throughout the game, or you can choose Instant Action, Tournament Mode, or Multiplayer Mode for more puzzle action.

Puzzle Quest 2 features a match-3 gem puzzle game paired with light RPG elements.  You travel around a fantasy world by clicking where you want to go. It is not free-form travel, as the game limits you to certain areas you can travel.  When you meet another character, you may receive a quest. Once you accept a quest and meet a foe, you are brought to the battle screen, which is a puzzle board like Bejeweled where you must match 3 similar items to attack, defend, and collect mana.  You have six different mana pools to fill and as you clear their colors, the corresponding mana pool fills allowing you to cast spells or use special abilities.  If you match 3 or more skulls, you will do damage to your foe. If you clear four or more items, you do extra damage or collect extra manna, and you get another turn.  Some enemies are more powerful than others and you will have to use different strategies depending on your enemies attributes.  For example, when facing a troll, you can do damage but he will regenerate hit points.  You can hit him with a torch to disable his regeneration abilities for a limited amount of time. Puzzle battles aren’t limited to creature encounters, you even enter puzzle mode when you need to pick locks, bash down a door, or disarm traps. There is no time limit to make your moves, so you can take you time and decide your next move by weighing you options.  If you are having trouble grasping the strategy, the game offers an optional hint system.

We got a hands on and both of us were instantly hooked.  I’ve been in RPG game mode for a while and I can’t wait for this game to come out.  It’s very easy to see that both the casual and hardcore gamer could get something different and satisfying out of this title.  The new art style is one of the stand out changes to game’s look.  The art is simply beautiful and is more of a fantasy style than the anime style of the previous game.

The DS version of the game is virtually identical to the XBLA version and will be a slightly lighter version, however it still features all the fun and punch of the XBLA version and you will be able to take it on the go!

Puzzle Quest 2 will be available this Spring for the Xbox Live Arcade and the Nintendo DS and is rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and up.